Europe Sounds Alarm on India’s Air Quality as Tree Felling Sparks Environmental Outcry
Several European countries have reportedly advised their citizens against traveling to India over hazardous air quality concerns. The claims have fueled political criticism and environmental alarm, with leaders and experts warning that large-scale deforestation is deepening India’s environmental crisis.
Environmental experts and critics argue that air pollution levels in many parts of India have reached a point where they pose serious risks to human health. According to these claims, the advisory issued by European nations reflects growing international unease about whether the country’s air remains safe to breathe, especially for travelers and long-term visitors.
The controversy gained further traction in Madhya Pradesh, where senior Congress leader Jitu Patwari accused the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of exacerbating the crisis through widespread deforestation. Patwari alleged that despite global warnings and environmental distress signals, millions of trees are being felled nationwide for infrastructure and development projects. He warned that such policies are pushing India toward an unprecedented ecological disaster.
Describing the situation in stark terms, Patwari cautioned that unchecked environmental degradation could turn India into a “21st-century Chernobyl,” underscoring the long-term and potentially irreversible damage to public health, biodiversity, and climate stability. His remarks echo broader concerns raised by environmental specialists, who say deforestation directly worsens air pollution, disrupts ecosystems, and weakens the country’s ability to combat climate change.
Environmental experts have called for immediate and decisive action, urging authorities to halt large-scale tree cutting and adopt more sustainable development practices. They stress that without urgent intervention, India could face severe consequences, including escalating health crises, international reputational damage, and strained diplomatic perceptions.
As the debate sharpens, the issue highlights the growing tension between rapid development and environmental protection. With international attention now focused on India’s air quality and forest policies, the unfolding situation could have far-reaching implications for public health, tourism, and the country’s global environmental standing.

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